Teak
Tectona grandis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Typically straight grain, occasionally wavy with an uneven, coarse texture. Distinctly oily feel.
Color Description
Heartwood starts golden or medium brown and darkens with age to a deeper reddish-brown. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. It exhibits a dull luster due to natural oils.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Highly Durable; excellent resistance to rot, termites, and fungal decay. One of the most durable woods for outdoor use.
Common Uses
Boat building, outdoor furniture, decking, high-end cabinetry, flooring, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand); extensively grown on plantations in Africa, South America, and the Caribbean.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 to $50.00 per board foot for high-quality Burmese Teak; plantation-grown is slightly less.
Wood Age Estimate
Based on surface oxidation and dust accumulation, the sample appears to be from a processed board or piece of furniture approximately 10 to 30 years old.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Endangered (due to wild population decline). Heavily regulated via CITES Appendices in some regions; FSC-certified plantation teak is available.
Workability
Generally easy to work, but high silica content (up to 1.4%) dulls cutting edges rapidly. Glues well despite natural oils if surface is wiped with solvent first.
Notable Features
Distinctive leathery scent when freshly cut. Contains high levels of natural oils and silica, making it exceptionally water-resistant and slip-resistant.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or Danish oil are preferred to maintain natural appearance; can be left unfinished to weather to a silver-grey patina. Surface must be cleaned with acetone before applying lacquers or glues.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; identified by the characteristic golden-brown color, oily surface texture, and coarse, open-pore grain pattern consistent with Tectona grandis.